Originally Posted by
marmot
Avid means keenly interested or enthusiastic, not fast, competitive or highly accomplished. I'm an avid cyclist, and pretty slow, judging by the number of times I get passed. I don't mind riding with people who are even slower, just make it a social event. When you want a serious workout, ride with someone else, or alone.
Perhaps "avid" is the wrong word. Maybe accomplished, experienced, enthusiast are better. The point is that one day a week I have the opportunity to take a ride with some distance and want to condition myself to be able to do a century. Leisurely social rides won't help with that goal. I do enjoy the freedom of riding solo but would like the opportunity to ride behind a faster group. To me cycling is a competitive sport but realize it's not that way for everyone.